Nashville Predators News
31 Thoughts: No easy answers for addressing Sabres’ messy situation
Nashville’s made it clear the Los Angeles/Toronto Muzzin deal is the template for Ekholm. That was a first rounder, a second rounder the previous season (Sean Durzi) and Carl Grundström, who was in the AHL at the time and has played 25 of 27 career games this year.
One wrinkle is the comfort level with 2021 selections. The draft is staying in July, and there are varying degrees of willingness to accept those picks, especially if a trade involves more than one. The team giving up futures is generally more willing to trade choices from 2021; the teams receiving them are asking about 2022.
Analyzing Mattias Ekholm’s trade value as the Predators become sellers
I’ll say this: I personally don’t want to see Mattias Ekholm traded. I feel like he could be part of a small core for Nashville to build around in the next few seasons. You can’t easily replace a 6’4” well-rounded blueliner like him.
Rinne won’t be traded by Predators, GM says
This makes me wonder if Rinne would be interesting in signing for another season.
Pekka is our King.
Around the League
Dynamo St. Petersburg’s Timur Faizutdinov dies after being hit by puck | Sportsnet.ca
This is the most awful thing I’ve read lately. Rest easy, Timur.
Devils captain Hischier undergoes successful surgery, out three weeks
Another blow for the Devils…
Maple Leafs’ Vesey, Canadiens’ Byron among new players on waivers
Jimmy Vesey is a name that sounds familiar. Hmmm, I’m not sure why. He sounds like a tool.
Why Maple Leafs’ Dubas is ready to go all-in and make a trade soon
It’s interesting that Dubas is willing to take on a pure rental. Maybe someone like Erik Haula or Mikael Granlund?
Canadiens trade deadline preview: Can Montreal clear cap space for Ekholm?
Some interesting adds for Montreal MIGHT come from Nashville…
Canadiens could give Caufield chance, be quiet at Trade Deadline: GM
It sure would be fun to see Caufield take the ice for Montreal.
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas ready to deal and willing to move a top prospect | TSN.ca
Are the Leafs going “all in”?
Kings coach, trainer, help push Denver-area motorist out of snow
Some good deeds from the Kings coaching staff.
Matt Kiersted is the Top NCAA Free Agent Target | The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated
It’s about to be “NCAA Free Agent” season. OTF’s Eric will have some names to watch…be sure to follow him @OnTheFutureOTF.
Toronto Maple Leafs’ Kyle Dubas on Trade Deadline: Rare Time Where Probably a Rental is a Better Fit | The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated
The Leafs are headlining NHL news these days, but it’s for a good reason…they might make a big splash in the rental market.
Maybe the Sabres Actually Are Tanking This Season | The Hockey News on Sports Illustrated
Does it do them any good to tank? They can keep drafting top players but if the organization itself doesn’t change, it does no good.
Hockey Tactics
Playing Off The Heels | The Hockey IQ Newsletter
The folks at The Hockey IQ Newsletter put out some incredible content. This article is about utilizing skate angles when attacking or defending.
Have a great Wednesday, folks!